Formerly the Crash Mitchell Quartet, Sean "Crash" Mitchell added Otolathe's K. Paul Boyev in 2008; and the band also includes Paul Catala on keys, Don Butler on bass and Sean Travis on drums. Whether they're playing at the Hub's 50th anniversary party or railing against Clear Channel on Radio Station Abomination, they're a fiercely fun fivesome that's always looking for a party.

One of the area's most pouplar musicians, Mitchell moved to Atlanta a while back, and hasn't been playing as many shows there. "Atlanta's kind of clicquey about giving out gigs," he said.

He doesn't come back to Tampa Bay often; in fact, on Friday, the Crash Mitchell Five will be playing their first local show of the year. The band will perform with Flat Stanley, the Tim Version, Rebekah Pulley and Jen Shamro at Crash's 40th Birthday Bash at 8 p.m. at New World Brewery. Tickets are $7.

How does the frontman feel about turning the big 4-0? "I'm throwing a party to forget about it," he laughs. "Well, not to forget about it -- to have fun with it."